A Refreshing Servant
John M. Buttrey II
Many times, our study of the Scriptures involves investigation into the lives of well-known individuals: Abraham, Moses, Job, Paul, Peter, and of course, Jesus. There is much to be learned from each of their lives. However, I would like to bring to your attention a man for whom little is written in the Bible. Yet, the little that is written speaks volumes. His name is Onesiphorus. Through his service in the body of Christ, he obtained a marvelous testimony in Scripture. Paul wrote of Onesiphorus:
The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus. (2 Timothy 1:16-18 Emphasis Mine).
Paul asked that the Lord would give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus. A similar statement is found at the close of the letter, where the apostle writes, “Greet... the household of Onesiphorus” (2 Tim. 4:19). That his house is mentioned in these ways, has led many to conclude that Onesiphorus (at the time this letter was written), had passed away. We do not know for certain whether or not he was dead, but it does seem like a logical conclusion.
Think what these encouraging words of appreciation meant to the family of Onesiphorus! To have one, like Paul, speaking so glowingly about their loved one, must have been very comforting. Notice the wonderful things Paul said about this man and his service to the body of Christ, and to Paul himself.
“He often refreshed me.” The Greek word rendered “refreshed” is an interesting word. As one resource noted, “The basic sense is to cool and refresh by a breath…” When you were a child and got a cut or a bruise, did your mother ever blow on the wound? Somehow, that would make it feel a little better. Interestingly, along these same lines, this word was used in a medical sense for treating a wound by exposing it to fresh air.
Another idea of the word is revealed, when we consider that one of the words which make up this word, is a form of the Greek word for soul. The word for soul can have reference to the life force within man, his breath, or his physical being. In this way, the word translated refreshed was used in the Septuagint for the regaining of physical strength (cf. Ex. 23:12; Judges 15:19). We are not told how Onesiphorus “refreshed” Paul, but the apostle says he did it “often.” Even though we generally picture Paul always full of strength, he had times when he needed refreshing (cf. Acts 18:9; 2 Cor. 1:8; 11:23-28).
“He was not ashamed of my chains.” Paul was imprisoned in Rome for the cause of Christ, and all in Asia had turned away from him (2 Tim. 1:15). However, Onesiphorus was not ashamed of the apostle, nor the Gospel he preached. Perhaps, it was the boldness of Onesiphorus in this matter that cost him his life. The fact that Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains was refreshing in and of itself. Isn’t that what we all want in a friend? Someone who is not ashamed of our “chains”? Someone who will stand up for us, when standing up for us is not the popular thing to do? That’s a good friend! More than a friend to Paul, Onesiphorus was his brother in Christ.
“He eagerly searched for me.” Onesiphorus was determined to find Paul so he could he refresh him. Think about that! Paul was imprisoned in Rome. At that time, the evil Nero sat as Emperor. This was a man who regularly filled the center of the coliseum with Christians, to watch them die as sport. Putting himself at risk of imprisonment, Onesiphorus, was walking around Rome eagerly searching for Paul. Picture him walking the streets and asking if anyone knew where he could find a Christian prisoner named Paul! “You know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.” Not only was Onesiphorus one who refreshed Paul, but he was also a diligent worker in the church at Ephesus. Paul speaks of the “services” (plural) rendered by Onesisphorus. This man was a true servant of God. No complaining, no quitting, no desire for personal glory or attention, just a strong desire to provide service to the body of Christ. He was a refreshing servant!
Praise God for those like Onesiphorus in the local church! Let’s face it, there are times when we could all use some refreshing service. Those times when the pressures of life find us stressed out and hot under the collar.
Maybe right now, you need someone to provide you with some cool refreshing. The refreshing might be a kind word of inspiration or encouragement. It might be a hand of assistance when you’re not physically able.
In light of the medical idea of the Greek word we mentioned earlier, the refreshers provide healing from the bruises of life. They blow on the welts and wounds life's trials inflict upon us. The refreshers make us feel better by helping to ease the pain.
The good news is: Anybody can do this! You do not have to be one who is up front and leading all the time. You do not have to be an elder, deacon, preacher, or teacher. Oftentimes, it is those who are leading in some capacity who need the refreshment!
Those who provide refreshment go beyond what others might normally do. Refreshing servants recognize the needs that others sometimes do not see. Without being asked, they provide refreshment. They don’t need to be told there is a need because they are observant to spot them. They don’t need to be assigned to handle the matter. They just refresh.
Do you know someone who needs some refreshing? If so, it’s time to get busy.
